I could feel his eyes on me as I walked past him in the hall. His arm was loosely draped over Ashley's shoulder and she was talking animatedly about something. I brushed past him touching his arm so lightly no one else noticed but he did and he smiled.

I sighed in relief as I stepped outside and threw myself onto the concrete. I pulled a cigarette out of my purse and lit it quickly. The first drag was heaven after the kind of day I was having.

"What's going on between you and Manning?" asked a voice from behind me. I closed my eyes and sighed in frustration.

"Why do you care Jay?" I asked as I turned to look at him. "Jealous?" I smirked to myself at his reaction. He hated when his pride or his manhood was called in to question. I couldn't resist teasing my stoic friend. It was odd to consider Jay my friend after everything that had happened between us but he had been the most constant in my life since the shooting.

He sneered as he lowered himself down beside me. He snatched the cigarette from me and took a drag, "I don't think so" he told me as he handed it back. "Emo boy Manning can have you."

I snatched it away and gave him an ugly look. "Leave me alone, Jay" I told him. He cocked his head at my sudden mood change and my tone. His stare always unnerved me and made me a little uncomfortable. It's as if he is staring right into your soul.

"What's with you today?" Jay asked his voice taking a serious tone. He reached over and took my hand. I pulled away sharply and turned my head. I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. How could I explain it? How could I make Jay of all people understand the need, the hunger and the complete longing. I shook my head hoping he would go away or change the subject.

"Are you sleeping with him?" Jay asked softly.

"Only once" I replied. "That was enough"

"Do you love him?" Jay asked gently forcing me to face him.

I tried to lie. I really did but he could see right through me. "Oh, Greenpeace" he moaned. "Damn! What is with you?"

"What are you talking about?" I whimpered.

"You never fall in love with guys like Manning" Jay lectured, "He uses people. You saw what he did to Manny. Are you stupid?"

I recoiled as if I had been slapped. I have never seen Jay get this worked up about something. "I'll see ya Emma" he mumbled as he headed back inside. My only friend had just turned his back on me and I had no idea why.

I put my cigarette out and walked back inside against my better judgment. I h

ate this place, I thought as I headed to my next class. He was still watching me, I could feel it.